I can't defend Critchley any more

If this was a trial, the case for the prosecution would be:
  • been given resources and has a strong squad;
  • inability to beat poor teams (Port Vale / Burton / Cambridge all poor and off form);
  • inability to create chances;
  • players were not playing for him last night and seemed confused;
  • inability to change his tactics to other teams – therefore outwitted by his opponents;
  • like for like substitutions when change is needed;
  • poor quality, mundane media responses (“we were the better team” aka we had more possession blah blah blah) – he does not acknowledge the problems on the pitch
 
Ginge 2 said:
He keeps trying the same thing and keeps getting the same outcome.
I just can't fathom why he expects different outcomes when nothing changes.

He needs some experienced help to guide him or to change what he's doing.
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4 of us went last night - all would have stuck with him before the match. At least 3 think immediate change is needed but agree Sadler unlikely to have plan B and have the decisiveness to make the necessary decisions.
 
Three_Piers said:
As much as I'm not a fan of Critchley and his tactics. I can't help but feel pissed off with the players too. They don't seem to be playing for the fans or the shirt. It's just spineless.

I'm not defending Critchley though. His stubborness to stick with this system that clearly isn't working is going to cost him his job. The buck stops with him.

This squad is performing well below it's capabilities. Top 6 should be the minimum expectation and that is now looking more and more unlikely.
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I think the effort is there you can see that. But there's no quality and no guidance it seems of how to do the things they want to do. That comes from above I guess.
 
Three_Piers said:
As much as I'm not a fan of Critchley and his tactics. I can't help but feel pissed off with the players too. They don't seem to be playing for the fans or the shirt. It's just spineless.

I'm not defending Critchley though. His stubborness to stick with this system that clearly isn't working is going to cost him his job. The buck stops with him.

This squad is performing well below it's capabilities. Top 6 should be the minimum expectation and that is now looking more and more unlikely.
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It’s horses for courses . We don’t have the players for Critchleys preferred system . So we either ditch the system or ditch players . Ditching the system would probably involve ditching the manager or at least hiring a no 2 with experience.
 
Ginge 2 said:
He's got the players.

It's his tactics that have put us in this position this season.

He is either stubborn or blind.
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You posted this thread titled "I can't defend Critchley anymore" then spent the next 17 hours vehemently defending him on every other thread.
 
Olliesoffhistrolley said:
It’s horses for courses . We don’t have the players for Critchleys preferred system . So we either ditch the system or ditch players . Ditching the system would probably involve ditching the manager or at least hiring a no 2 with experience.
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But this is the thing that really annoys me, he can play other systems. He's done it with us in the past. He's played 4-4-2 alot, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 so he knows how to set thoes systems up. It's pure stubbornness on his part sticking with 3-5-2.
 
I bleed Tangerine said:
But this is the thing that really annoys me, he can play other systems. He's done it with us in the past. He's played 4-4-2 alot, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 so he knows how to set thoes systems up. It's pure stubbornness on his part sticking with 3-5-2.
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Agreed . Pure stubbornness. He needs a respected ex player as his no 2 . Someone who will speak his mind , someone who has Sadlers backing and must be listened to . I think it’s the only way to make a manager of Critchley .
 
Olliesoffhistrolley said:
Agreed . Pure stubbornness. He needs a respected ex player as his no 2 . Someone who will speak his mind , someone who has Sadlers backing and must be listened to . I think it’s the only way to make a manager of Critchley .
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What about super Brett presently coach at Bamber Bridge he loves the. Club and we love him
 
Olliesoffhistrolley said:
Agreed . Pure stubbornness. He needs a respected ex player as his no 2 . Someone who will speak his mind , someone who has Sadlers backing and must be listened to . I think it’s the only way to make a manager of Critchley .
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Critchley has not got what it takes to be a manager. He should stick to coaching preferably youth football
 
I've lost patience with Critchley once before, after a defeat (can't remember which one) during a terrible run of form in 2020. Sadler backed him and I was proven to be wrong when we went on a great run and got promoted. I remember thinking the team were spineless and brainless during that bad run, similar to how I feel about the current group.

I'm not saying that it will happen again but I can see some parallels which is why I'm willing to show a little more patience this time around. What worries me is his unwillingness to change it. He changed it last time and it worked, it wasn't always pretty but it was effective. The current style of football is my worst nightmare, all the possession but no cutting edge. I remember watching Russel Martin's Swansea play the same when we played that at home and thinking I'd hate it if we played that way.

We'd be more effective if we played the original Critchball with a back four, two sitting midfielders, Dembele, Dale or CJ on the wings and two up top.
 
Sven said:
I've lost patience with Critchley once before, after a defeat (can't remember which one) during a terrible run of form in 2020. Sadler backed him and I was proven to be wrong when we went on a great run and got promoted. I remember thinking the team were spineless and brainless during that bad run, similar to how I feel about the current group.

I'm not saying that it will happen again but I can see some parallels which is why I'm willing to show a little more patience this time around. What worries me is his unwillingness to change it. He changed it last time and it worked, it wasn't always pretty but it was effective. The current style of football is my worst nightmare, all the possession but no cutting edge. I remember watching Russel Martin's Swansea play the same when we played that at home and thinking I'd hate it if we played that way.

We'd be more effective if we played the original Critchball with a back four, two sitting midfielders, Dembele, Dale or CJ on the wings and two up top.
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He won't play that as he wants to play like prime 70s Ajax and keep the ball for 50 passes at a time

Also a 442 wouldn't suit Dembele who's one of our better players

I'm not a fan of 442 but would certainly give it a go away from home as anything has to be better than this shite
 
Phil_bfc deux said:
He won't play that as he wants to play like prime 70s Ajax and keep the ball for 50 passes at a time

Also a 442 wouldn't suit Dembele who's one of our better players

I'm not a fan of 442 but would certainly give it a go away from home as anything has to be better than this shite
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If we played Dembele wide in a 442 I'm seeing him in the Keshi, Bowler, or even Kaikai role where he has a bit more freedom and has some cover from one of the defensive midfielders.

As you say, anything seems better than this away from home.
 
Sven said:
If we played Dembele wide in a 442 I'm seeing him in the Keshi, Bowler, or even Kaikai role where he has a bit more freedom and has some cover from one of the defensive midfielders.

As you say, anything seems better than this away from home.
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Yeah it's worth a go

I just think he would be better in a front 3 but that would probably scupper Rhodes a bit
 
I actually think the fact we didn't get another central midfielder and winger or two is ridiculous. CJ Hamilton has shown time and time again his inconsistencies. Dale is unproven as such to us. And we loaned out Apter, who frankly will have next to no reason to want to come back now.
 
Ginge 2 said:
He's got the players.

It's his tactics that have put us in this position this season.

He is either stubborn or blind.
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Defending the indefensible there. You’re right to stop. A manager’s job is to make the team work and if it’s not happening, he’s at fault. He’s got the players, but if his tactics are dragging the team down, then it’s on him. Stubborn or blind? Doesn’t matter. Results speak louder than anything. Football’s a simple game complicated by people who should know better. It’s time for him to wake up, change things or step aside. No room for sentiment in football. It’s a results business.
 
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I feel our away form is our only issue. Home form is one of the best in the league. We have the leagues top scorer and score goals for fun at home. Had our away form even been average we would be in the top 6. It’s not as glaringly bad as people are making it out to be but I agree it should be better
 
Critchknows said:
I'm p1ssed off with all of them. Players are sh1te, Critches formation is shite and it will get him the sack but the board are shite too and will no doubt appoint another shite manager.
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But who are the board. Where is downes and winter. And what exactly does they do
 
BestTrip said:
I feel our away form is our only issue. Home form is one of the best in the league. We have the leagues top scorer and score goals for fun at home. Had our away form even been average we would be in the top 6. It’s not as glaringly bad as people are making it out to be but I agree it should be better
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Good post.
 
The way we are playing we won’t keep up that kind of home record. And our away form is only likely to improve marginally rather than exceptionally. So I expect us to get worse not better.
 
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